Course Title: Assess client massage needs

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2025

Course Code: REHA5009C

Course Title: Assess client massage needs

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5426 - Diploma of Remedial Massage

Course Contact: Toby Glennon

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99250320

Course Contact Email: toby.glennon@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teachers

 

Tamrin Stuart

tamrin.stuart@rmit.edu.au

 

Rob Orr

rob.orr@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 100

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

There are no pre-requisites for this unit

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to gather client information, make a client assessment and determine massage treatment options.

This unit applies to massage therapists providing therapeutic and relaxation massage treatments. It does not include remedial massage assessment techniques.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

HLTMSG010 Assess client massage needs

Element:

1. Determine scope of client needs

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Ensure client completes client intake form prior to assessment.

1.2. Clarify client expectations and identify reason client is wanting to receive massage therapy.

1.3. Provide clear information about scope and limits of services to be provided.

1.4. Collect accurate, relevant and organised health record and document in a form which can be interpreted readily by other professionals.

1.5. Recognise needs that are beyond scope of own practice, and discuss other health care options as required with client.

1.6. Identify and respond to any barriers to information gathering and assessment.

1.7. Seek client information respectfully using purposeful, systematic and diplomatic questioning.

1.8. Manage information in a confidential and secure way in accordance with legal and ethical considerations.

Element:

2. Conduct client assessment.

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Determine appropriate assessment process.

2.2. Advise client about the assessment process and obtain informed client consent to proceed.

2.3. Follow clinical and therapist hygiene protocols.

2.4. Respect client dignity and anticipate potential sensitivities.

2.5. Seek client feedback on comfort levels throughout assessment process.

2.6. Assess client through palpation and observation.

2.7. Observe and note any client concerns about pain and health.

2.8. Identify and respond to cautions and contra-indications to massage treatment.

2.9. Document all assessment findings.

Element:

3. Determine and discuss treatment approach.

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Discuss assessment findings to determine treatment needs.

3.2. Discuss assessment and rationale for treatment with the client.

3.3. Respond to client enquiries using language the client understands.

3.4. Discuss referral and collaborative options with the client.

3.5. Obtain informed consent for massage therapy treatment.

Learning Outcomes


Please refer to the Elements of Competency above


Details of Learning Activities

This course may include the following activities: -

  • Blog or other online discussion and participation
  • practical workshops
  • practical demonstrations
  • group projects 
  • peer learning
  • guest lecture/presentation 
  • class presentations 
  • group discussion
  • research
  • independent project-based work 
  • group activities/projects
  • simulated workplace activities.  

    

    

 

    


Teaching Schedule

Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources. 

 

Week Date Topics Assessment Tasks Due
1 10th Feb Introduction to palpation and navigating the body   
14th Feb Client information & expectations, Subjective examination, Considerations when performing an assessment, Contraindications and Barriers to treatment  
2 17th Feb The skeletal system and palpable bony landmarks, Legal and ethical considerations, Scope of practice and Physical health status  
21st Feb Postural observation, Inflammation and wound healing, Muscle contraction   
3 24th Feb Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar ROM  
28th Feb Task 4.1a Online quiz 1 Task 4.1a Online quiz 1
Cervical and face anatomy  
4 3rd Mar Trunk anatomy  
7th Mar Quiz 2 in class, revision  Task 4.2 Online quiz
5 10th Mar LABOUR DAY - No class  
14th Mar Revision, mock assessment   
6 17th Mar In class - Practical assessment 1 Task 1 Practical regional assessment 
21st Mar In class - Practical assessment 1
7 24th Mar Subjective and Postural assessment, Shoulder ROM  
28th Mar Task 4.1b Online quiz 2 Task 4.1b Online quiz 2
Elbow and Wrist ROM  
8 31st Mar Shoulder anatomy   
4th Apr Shoulder, upper arm anatomy Task 5 Knowledge task
9 7th Apr Forearm anatomy  
11th Apr Quiz 3 in class, revision Task 4.3 Online quiz
10 14th Apr Revision, mock assessment   
18th Apr GOOD FRIDAY - No Class  
  21st Apr Mid Semester Break  
25th Apr ANZAC DAY - No Class  
11 28th Apr In class - Practical assessment 2 Task 2 Practical regional assessment 
2nd May In class - Practical assessment 2
12 5th May Subjective and Postural assessment   
9th May Hip ROM  
13 12th May Knee and ankle ROM  
16th May Gluteal anatomy  
14 19th May Thigh anatomy  
23rd May Lower leg anatomy  
15 26th May Quiz 4 in class, revision Task 4.4 Online quiz 
30th May Revision, mock assessment   
16 2nd June In class - Practical assessment 3 Task 3 Practical regional assessment 
6th June In class - Practical assessment 3
 Week 17 C5426 - Attendance period - attendance required   
Week 18 C5426 - Attendance period - attendance required 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:  

    

The Learning Lab  
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab  

    

The Study Support Hub   
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub  

    

English for uni workshops  
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops

    


Overview of Assessment

Assessments may include any of the below :

  • Case studies
  • Quizzes
  • Knowledge assessment
  • Portfolio assessment
  • Role play
  • Clinical logbook 
  • Practical assessments


Assessment Tasks

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.      Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.      To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.     Every task must be completed satisfactorily for competence to be achieved. Unless otherwise advised you must submit all work via the RMIT issued assessment tool which is located in Canvas for you to populate.    Resubmissions are at the discretion of the teacher and/or coordinator. Please see below statement under Resubmission    You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria and due dates 

 

    

Practical Regional Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1 - Practical regional assessment. Due date: 17/03/2025 & 21/03/2025

Assessment Task 2 - Practical regional assessment. Due date: 28/04/2025 & 02/05/2025

Assessment Task 3 - Practical regional assessment. Due date: 02/06/2025 & 06/06/2025 

Online Quizzes

Assessment Task 4.1a - Online Quiz 1. Due date: 28/02/2025 

Assessment Task 4.1b- Online Quiz. Due date: 28/03/2025

Assessment Task 4.2 - Online Quiz. Due date: 07/03/2025

Assessment Task 4.3- Online Quiz. Due date: 11/04/2025

Assessment Task 4.4 - Online Quiz. Due date: 26/05/2025 

Written Knowledge Task

Assessment Task 5 - Online Quiz. Due date: 04/04/2025 

 

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:   CA: Competency Achieved  NYC: Not Yet Competent  DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment     Resubmissions    You will be given two (2) attempts for each assessment to demonstrate the required skills. If a student does not submit an assessment on the first date provided however submits on the resubmission date this submission will be the only attempt allowed.    A supplementary assessment can only be offered after discussions between teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic.  Supplementary assessments are at the discretion of the Program Coordinator and Program Manager after a conversation is had by the teacher, Program Coordinator and Program Manager. A supplementary assessment will take into account class attendance (80-100% requirement), interaction within class and communication with the class teacher. 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required.   

Other Information

Attendance: 

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises.    It is strongly advised and expected that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully. If you attend late to a lab/clinic/practical teaching session you must wait to be allowed entrance to the lab/clinic as this can pose a WHS issue, especially if specialised equipment is being used and demonstrated. Teachers are permitted to not allow you to use equipment if formal training has been missed, if this happens you must request a meeting with the teacher and program coordinator to discuss moving forward.  If you miss an assessment or assessable practical class you need to apply for special consideration. The special consideration department will ask you to provide a medical certificate or give other evidence to support your request. Once Special consideration has been applied for the students will wait for the results and then contact their teacher on the outcome of the result. Information about your studies:   You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.     https://www.rmit.edu.au/students     Extensions of time for submission of assessable work:  If you are prevented from submitting an assessment on time by circumstances outside your control you may apply for an extension of up to seven (7) calendar days in writing (email) to your teacher and Program Coordinator one working day BEFORE the due date. Please provide evidence  and /or valid reasonings why you were unable to complete the submission on time within this email. Extensions cannot be guaranteed if evidence or valid reasons are not given. Eligibility criteria for application and the form is available from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work    Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration.      

Special consideration:

If due to illness or other unforeseen circumstance, you are unable to attend on the due date of an assessment (e.g. test, examination, oral, etc.), you may submit an application for special consideration within 5 working days of the due date. If special consideration is granted, you will be given the opportunity to complete/repeat the assessment task at a later date. For advice on this application please visit www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration or speak to your Program Coordinator. 

    

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:   

    

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.  

    

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity  

    

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:   

    

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).  

    

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.    

    

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.  

    

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit  

    

Course Overview: Access Course Overview